Report: Capitals Closing In On Ivan Miroshnichenko Trade
“The conversation still continues,” Pagnotta said on Tuesday’s DFO Insider. “They are inching closer. There are less teams in the mix, but there are still multiple teams that are still going after Miroshnichenko.”
The Capitals gave Miroshnichenko and his agent, Dan Milstein, permission to explore trade options in late October, and those talks look like they’re starting to pay off.
Capitals Holding Firm On Price
Washington’s asking price hasn’t changed much. Pagnotta described it as “first-round pick-plus” in value, though not necessarily an actual pick.
“May not necessarily be a first-round pick,” Pagnotta said. “Maybe a young player (with) first-round pick value that they have more control over and more flexibility in terms of either putting them in the [AHL] or being in junior.”
David Pagnotta: Re Ivan Miroshnichenko future/Capitals: They are inching closer; there are still multiple teams...that are still going after [him]; the price tag...1st round plus...value-wise, may not necessarily be a 1st round pick - DFO Insider (11/10)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) November 12, 2026
Jeff Marek had earlier reported the Capitals wanted “at least a first-round pick.” When Marek asked on Tuesday whether two second-round picks could get it done, Pagnotta said: “Maybe, it really depends on the team and where (in the round) those seconds may end up.”
Pagnotta had previously named the Blackhawks, Canucks, Flyers, Kraken, Flames and Kings as teams that had shown interest, though he didn’t say which ones are still in the running.
He also said Washington would prefer to move him out of the East, especially out of its division, and that he didn’t see a fit with Philadelphia.
Fresh Start For Former First-Rounder
Miroshnichenko, 22, was the 20th overall pick in 2022, a selection Washington made just months after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma that March.
He came over from the KHL on a three-year entry-level deal in May 2023 and made his NHL debut that December.
David Pagnotta: Re Ivan Miroshnichenko future/Capitals: He still wants to be traded, they're talking to a variety of teams...I think Chicago is one of them - Tom Gazzola Show (11/10)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) November 12, 2026
His NHL career hasn’t taken off yet. He has six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 55 games and has played just three games this season in a crowded Capitals forward group.
He’s in the first year of a two-year deal with a $925,000 cap hit, which makes him an affordable gamble for a team willing to give him a bigger role.
Milstein said last week that Miroshnichenko wants a chance to play top-six minutes with his new team.
